1. Ödül, Kaštela Bay Bridge Design Competition

3LHD Architects ve Pipenbaher Consulting Engineers, Hırvatistan’daki Yeni Kaštela Körfez Köprüsü için düzenlenen yarışmada birincilik ödülünü kazandı.

International Competition for the Design of a New Bridge across Kaštela Bay

Kaštela Körfezi üzerinde inşa edilmesi planlanan yeni köprünün tasarımı için düzenlenen uluslararası yarışmanın kazanan projesi, Hırvat mimarlık ofisi 3LHD ile Slovenyalı köprü mühendisliği firması Pipenbaher Consulting Engineers’ın ortak çalışması oldu.

Görsel: 3LHD

Projenin Tanıtım Metni:

A New Maritime Gateway and Skyline Landmark

The 1.6-kilometre bridge will connect the city of Split with the town of Kaštela, creating a vital new transport link toward Trogir, Split Airport, and the A1 motorway.

The structure is conceived as a cable-stayed bridge with two slender pylons and a 400-metre main span, clearly defining the navigation corridor and forming a recognisable maritime gateway to the future international port of Split. Its architectural identity is defined by the 157-metre-high pylons, inspired by the crystalline structure of Dalmatian limestone, the characteristic building material of the Adriatic coast. Rising from the sea and converging above the deck into a distinctive silhouette, the pylons will become one of the tallest structural elements in Croatia and a new spatial landmark within the Kaštela Bay.

Rooted in sustainable construction principles, the project design incorporates a significant share of local fabrication and assembly. Steel bridge sections can be fabricated at the nearby Split shipyard, while concrete elements would be sourced from production facilities in Kaštela, drastically reducing transport emissions while supporting the regional industry.

Infrastructure as Public Space Above the Sea

Moving beyond its primary function of carrying four traffic lanes, the bridge is thoughtfully designed as an elevated public space. The pedestrian and cycling paths are functionally sunken below the traffic deck, protecting users from noise and wind while providing uninterrupted, panoramic views of the city and the surrounding archipelago.

This route is envisioned as an elevated recreational promenade, featuring four widened viewing platforms. These spaces are designed to function as gathering points for citizens, serving as prime vantage points during sailing regattas, sporting events, and public celebrations.

“We approached the bridge as a new spatial axis and an important catalyst for the development of northern Split and Kaštela. It is an infrastructure that simultaneously becomes a public space. The slender pylons form new urban gateways, while the lowered promenade with viewing points transforms the bridge into a recreational route and a new public place above the sea.”

“Structurally, this is a highly demanding and innovative bridge project. The slender pylons and cable-stayed system enable the 400-metre main span while maintaining a clear and elegant silhouette. Special attention was devoted to ensuring the seismic resistance of the structure and the aerodynamic stability of the bridge under conditions of strong, gusting high-speed winds.”